“Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.”
(World Health Organization, 2017)
“Depression is the cause of over two-thirds of the 30,000 reported suicides in the U.S. each year.” (White House Conference on Mental Health, 1999)
It is startling to realize just how much of an epidemic depression is. A simple google search on the term illuminates how intrinsic the mental health disorder is in our western society. One would think with first world comforts and modern living, enough distractions exist that “feelings of severe despondency and dejection” would be a thing of the past. Yet this couldn’t be further from the truth. If depression is left untreated it poses serious side effects to one’s overall health, relationships with others, and daily routine.
Symptoms of depression may vary, and depend on the form. Generally the disorder manifests itself with a sad, anxious, or void disposition. This intern may lead to feelings of hopelessness, irritability, guilt, and or worthlessness. Such feelings lead to decreased energy and appetite, restlessness, and fatigue. Over time if untreated depression will manifest itself physically in the body, often in aches and pains and an overall despondency to daily life. It is difficult to realize just how bad depression is until one experiences it first hand, yet most of us have at least one friend or family member that has struggled with it. According to WebMD.com the risks for developing depression are varied. Medical Professionals do agree that illness, medicine, family history, genetics, and trauma or stress are the predominant factors for developing the disorder.
The positive side of depression is that though it’s a pathology that affects multiple aspects of a person’s life, it is always treatable. The most notable and important treatment form for depression is psychotherapy. The root cause of depression is the mind and thus it makes sense that changing the way the mind thinks and how a person reacts to a situation is most beneficial. Physicians often heal depression by combining psychotherapy with lifestyle changes and medication.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a very popular cannabis extract in today’s supplement market. While relatively new, studies published by PubMed and the National Institute of Health have already begun to demonstrate positive correlations between its use and relief from symptoms of depression. Unfortunately due to previous legal hurdles until the Hemp Farm Bill of 2018, laboratory testing is still a fairly new enterprise. All mammals possess what is now known as the endocannabinoid system. Most organs in the body contain the neural receptors known as CB1 and CB2 that directly react with cannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptors stimulate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “rest and digest” state. It’s easy to see a correlation between rest and relaxation and how this could possibly help alleviate depression, especially if the root causes are anxiety or stress. The Journal of Clinical Investigation showed in a study that cannabinoids have been shown to promote neurogenesis, and have anxiolytic- (drug used to reduce anxiety) and antidepressant-like effects. A study posted on PubMed demonstrated these effects when CBD was used in heightened stress environments.
Read Also: Why Capsules Are the Best Way to Take CBD?
While CBD for depression is still being researched, consumer testimonials fill in the gaps. So many patrons swear by cannabidiol as a natural remedy for neurological disorders and pain (its uncanny)! Using CBD properly however, is necessary to experience results. Some forms of CBD supplementation may prove ineffective if under dosed. Its is important to research what the right amount of cannabidiol is for what one is suffering from. The way CBD is taken also determines its response time. Edibles for instance cause a delayed reaction in the body, often hours later, which provides a better source for daily regulation but not immediate relief. Dabbing/vaping CBD or sublingually imbibing oil has noticeably fast acting properties that may help more during an anxiety attack or stressful situation. Taking about 1000mg a week for severe disorders is about industry standard. Daily, 25mg-50mg of CBD is an excellent way to start on the path to health and wellness. If you, or a loved one, suffer from depression it is important to know you are not alone, and with time and treatment, relief is possible!
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